rock bottom and back

Celebrating the DVD and book release of “Rock Bottom and Back — From Desperation to Inspiration” at the Prytania Theatre in New Orleans are, from left,
David Bottner of The New Orleans Mission; Steven Scaffidi of Mission Media Productions; Troy Duhon, executive producer of the “God’s Not Dead” series; Dan
Borné of the Louisiana Chemical Association; and Earl Heard of BIC Media Solutions.
‘ROCK BOTTOM AND BACK™’ UNVEILED
AT WORLD PREMIERE EVENT
BIC MEDIA SOLUTIONS’ ‘ROCK BOTTOM AND BACK™’
SHARES STORIES OF HOPE
B
IC Media Solutions recently held its world premiere event for “Rock Bottom and Back — From
Desperation to Inspiration” in front of a packed
house at the Prytania Theatre in New Orleans. BIC
Media Solutions and The New Orleans Mission came
together to celebrate the power of personal transformation in the oldest single-screen theatre still operating in Louisiana.
“Rock Bottom and Back™,” a docu-drama co-produced by
BIC Media Solutions, YASNY Entertainment and Mission Media
Productions—The New Orleans Mission’s very own media department—takes viewers on a journey through incredible hardships,
from the struggles of everyday citizens to those of celebrities.
During the New Orleans premiere, attendees experienced firsthand
accounts of significant issues—including addiction, sexual trauma
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ISSUE THREE
and abandonment—highlighting the unthinkable pain that can
lead anyone to reach rock bottom. As a locally renowned treasure,
the Prytania Theatre provided the perfect backdrop to showcase a
film created by individuals who have been given their own second
chance to return from difficult situations.
Mission Media Productions gives homeless individuals the opportunity to develop artistic talents through the creation of viable
media products in the form of film, photography, a live rescue radio program and more. Under the direction of longtime producer
Steven Scaffidi, Mission Media participants hone natural talents to
shoot, edit and develop beautiful productions. “Rock Bottom and
Back” is one such project. As guests arrived at the historical theatre,
a photo-op greeted them via a step-and-repeat banner highlighting
The New Orleans Mission, BIC Media Solutions and Mission Media Productions. Attendees enjoyed the chance to capture the impactful moment by posing for group photos prior to the premiere.
In keeping with rich New Orleans tradition, a wealth of authentic jambalaya was prepared and served to guests by New Orleans
Brought to you by
Mission Chef and Director of Operations John Proctor. Proctor,
who is responsible for providing over 700 meals to homeless men
and women each day, is himself an example of overcoming adversity and using this struggle to touch the lives of those who need a
helping hand the most.
As guests trickled into the theatre, Scaffidi welcomed everyone to the world premiere of the first documentary produced by
homeless individuals, while BIC Media Solutions’ Earl Heard shed
light on the inspiration behind it.
“The idea for this project sprang from my own experience,”
Heard said. “I have hit rock bottom several times both professionally and personally, so I know how hard it is to come back. I
wanted to create something that would show everyone that hitting
bottom is tough, sometimes life-shattering, but we can come back
to be happier and more successful than we could imagine by learning from those who have faced overwhelming adversity. This book
reminds us that we are never alone; God and people who care are
always available if we reach out for help. The stories of the people
we have featured in the book and DVD are a shining example of
that.”
Devin Black, Mission Media’s cinematographer, recounted his
journey from living in a box under a bridge to becoming a talented
film specialist and an integral member of a small, interconnected
team. Before the film kicked off, The New Orleans Mission Executive Director David Bottner—also a subject of the documentary—
reinforced the project’s goal to help people who are overcoming
insurmountable adversities recover and give back to others.
A special Q&A was held after the credits rolled, during which
Black, Heard, Bottner and Scaffidi answered questions surrounding the inspiration and production of the innovative project.
Scaffidi also introduced the audience to the entire Mission Media
team, who earned a round of applause for their dedication to the
creation of “Rock Bottom and Back.” As the session wrapped,
guests retired to the lobby, where DVDs and books were available
for purchase. Attendees could have their books signed by those involved in “Rock Bottom and Back.” A special book cover featuring
Bottner was created for the event; proceeds directly benefitted The
New Orleans Mission.
The “Rock Bottom and Back” book—written by The New York
Haleigh Dean of BIC Media Solutions greets guests at the event.
Copies of the “Rock Bottom and
Back™” DVD and book were on
hand for purchase. Proceeds from
the sales of books and DVDs went
to The New Orleans Mission.
Times-bestselling author
Susan Mustafa with
Earl Heard—depicts
the incredible lives of
22 people who hit rock
bottom and then came
back from profound
despair to help others in
extraordinary ways.
While certainly inspirational in tone, “Rock
Bottom and Back” also
offers hope to those who
have hit bottom and a
David Bottner, left, executive director of The
roadmap to wellness, re- New Orleans Mission, signs a copy of “Rock
Bottom and Back™” for Dan Borné, president of
demption and ultimately the Louisiana Chemical Association.
a successful life.
The book features several heroes who reside in Louisiana and,
despite having lost their homes and personal belongings to “The
Great Flood of 2016,” are helping others in their times of need and
demonstrating what living in service to others is all about. Mustafa
has lost everything, and after writing about stories of others who
have hit rock bottom, she is experiencing this trauma firsthand.
Heard has been forced out of his home due to the flood and is now
working out of a trailer and providing shelter to others in his comAfter the screening, a Q&A session was held with, from left, The New Orleans
Mission’s David Bottner, BIC Media Solutions’ Earl Heard, and Mission Media
Productions’ Devin Black and Steven Scaffidi.
The Mission Media Productions team enjoys the event. Mission Media Productions, which co-produced the film with BIC Media Solutions, is The New
Orleans Mission’s very own media department.
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LOUISIANA FILM & VIDEO MAGAZINE
55
The Christian Motorcyclists Association attended the event to support one of its own, Billy Rivers, who is featured in the “Rock Bottom and Back™” project.
From left, Tracy Balsz of YASNY Entertainment, Earl Heard of BIC Media
Solutions, David Bottner of The New Orleans Mission, Billy Rivers of the
Christian Motorcyclists Association and Naren Aryal of Mascot Books visit at
the premiere event for “Rock Bottom and Back™.”
Rose Gladner, right, of BIC Media Solutions welcomes Deena Burnett Bailey,
second from left, and her family to the “Rock Bottom and Back™” premiere.
From left are Anna Claire Burnett, Madison Burnett and Cindy Burchfield.
From left, Deena Burnett Bailey, Billy Rivers, Jerry Strickland, Whitney
Strickland and David Bottner are all featured in the “Rock Bottom and
Back™” project.
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ISSUE THREE
pany who were without it. Proceeds from the launch of this book
will also be provided to local charities in the Baton Rouge area to
help those in need.
“The timing of this book’s release is a gift from God,” explained
Heard. “This project has a definite purpose, even more so after
what’s happened in Louisiana.”
The companion DVD—narrated by actor Danny Trejo—features interviews with Jerry Strickland, Whitney Strickland, Tonja
Myles, Stanley Roberts, David Bottner and Billy Rivers, whose
stories are highlighted in the book.
To coincide with
“Rock Bottom
and Back,” BIC
Media Solutions
will also launch its
own inspirational
speakers bureau
(ISB) and events
featuring celebrities
From left, Billy Rivers, who is featured in BIC Media
as well as ordinary
Solutions’ “Rock Bottom and Back — From Desperation to Inspiration,” Lisette Borné, Dan Borné of the
people. Among
Louisiana Chemical Association and Earl Heard of BIC
other topics, these
Alliance visit at the world premiere and book signing
for “Rock Bottom and Back™” in New Orleans.
speakers will
provide inspiration
and hope by illustrating recovery and success are possible through
living in service to others.
With a theme surrounding powerful experiences from hardship
to triumph, the New Orleans premiere of “Rock Bottom and Back”
set the framework for telling the story of one truly unique project.
The “Rock Bottom and Back” DVD and book are now available
online from Amazon and on the official website. LFV
For more information about “Rock Bottom and Back” or BIC Media Solutions’
ISB, visit www.rockbottomandback.com or call (800) 460-4242. Bulk order
discounts are available for “Rock Bottom and Back.”